Lee, M. Y., Uken, A., & Sebold, J. (2004). Accountability for change: Solution-focused treatment with domestic violence offenders. Families in Society,85(4), 463-476.
Article Synopsis: This article centers on the effectiveness of treatment with domestic violence offenders using a solution-focused framework instead of other approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, feminist, and psychodynamic. The study consisted of a one-group pre/post-test design, and a six-month follow-up was conducted to assess effectiveness of the treatment program. JWW
Milner, J., & Singleton, T. (2008). Domestic violence: Solution-focused practice with men and women who are violent. Journal of Family Therapy,30(1), 29-53.
Article Synopsis: The authors reviewed a program headed by the Domestic Violence Team (DVT), in the United Kingdom, that targeted reducing domestic violence; the program began in 2001 as a pilot study and was tracked until 2004. JWW
Pan, P. J.D., Deng, L-Y.F., Chang, S.S.H., & Jiang, K. J-R. (2011). Correctional officers' perceptions of a solution-focused training program: Potential implications for working with offenders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 55(6), 863-79. doi:10.1177/0306624X10378231
Article Synopsis: This article was composed as an exploratory study to investigate correctional officers’ perceptions of a solution-focused approach (SFA) to working with criminal offenders. Research took place in a Taiwanese jail, and researchers were mainly interested in implementing a practical approach that would assist offenders within a short time frame (i.e., length of their incarceration). JWW
Walker, L., Sakai, T., & Brady, K. (2006). Restorative circles—A reentry planning process for Hawaii inmates. Federal Probation,70(1), 33-37.
Article Synopsis: This article focused on the concept of the Restorative Circle—initially a pilot study from 2005 that aimed at successful reentry of prison inmates into society. The ultimate goal, using a solution-focused framework, was to have the inmate understand how his or her actions (i.e., illegal behavior) impacted not only their victims, but also their families and the extended community. JWW
Article synopsis:The authors reviewed all treatment outcome research involving Solution-Focused Therapy between the years 1985 and 2006. The articles reviewed were limited to published studies in the English language. The authors were interested in peer reviewed studies that contained participant information, an identified Solution-Focused intervention, and a methods section. Of all the literature reviewed, ten studies met that criteria and were evaluated. KG
Article Synopsis: This article focuses on brief solution-focused therapy with parents and adolescents with ADHD. It illustrates an emphasis of the co-construction of solutions from conversations between a school social worker and the client. The school social worker's questioned the client to recognize prior successes, solutions and visualize future solutions. BV
Article Synopsis: A quasi-experiment of 239 children who were referred to counseling by their school, with pretest/posttest design compared treatment engagement in a solution-focused therapy group and a "treatment-as-usual" group.. The solution-focused therapy group had better treatment engagement; however, no statistically significant differences were found between groups on perceptions of child behaviors from either parents or child reports. BV/LL
Article abstract: Outlines a brief approach to psychological treatment that may benefit a sizeable portion of fearful flyers as an alternative to the traditionally used method of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The authors estimate from their own practice that approximately 50 per cent of clients who seek psychological treatment for fear of flying do not require the full complement of standard CBT interventions (e.g. desensitization, simulated or actual flights) and benefit sufficiently from core interventions (e.g. cognitive restructuring, realistic threat appraisal and coping strategies for dealing with symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder). The authors therefore propose a synthesis of CBT and systemic and solution-focused therapy as a treatment that is not unduly costly or demanding on resources, and can be offered in busy settings such as travel health clinics and GP surgeries, and by counselling psychologists and air crew. The authors conclude that it is possible to provide a protracted course of treatment and in some cases single session interventions, especially with clients who are motivated to overcoming their problem and whose problem is not presented as intractable during the assessment. GS
Article synopsis: Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) combined with paroxetine in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Methods: 60 outpatients who met CCMD-3 criteria for OCD were randomly divided into experiment group (SFBT plus Paroxetine, n=30) and control group (paroxetine only, n =30) and treated for 10 weeks. The efficacy was assessed with Yale-Brown Obsessive- Compulsive Rating Scale (Y-BOCS) at the end of week 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Results: The Y-BOCS score in two groups were significantly decreased 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the Y-BOCS score in experiment group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: SFBT combined with paroxetine and paroxetine have significant efficacy in the treatment of OCD, and SFBT combined with paroxetine has better effect than paroxetine alone. GS
Article abstract: (from the chapter) The relationship between child and parents provides the building blocks for a child's lifelong development. When it is well built, the relationship provides a sturdy foundation and resiliency for future challenges. Even so, a child may run up against situations in which confusion and misunderstandings overwhelm his or her coping abilities, especially when the parents are also showing confusion. When this confusion grows into anxiety and interferes with the child's willingness to attend school, the school counselor may be brought in as a first line of intervention. This chapter discusses the use of solution-oriented brief counseling (SOBC) in helping children in crisis, with special attention to those aspects of SOBC that make it especially compatible with play therapy. The efficacy of this combined approach is demonstrated in a detailed case example. The case presented in this chapter involves a youngster who initially seemed to cope with her mother's serious illness, but whose situation later developed into a crisis following the deaths of other extended family members. These experiences escalated into high anxiety and school avoidance before the problem was brought to light and intervention was sought at school. Because of the child's age, play therapy was the preferred mode of relating. A solution-oriented intervention model was incorporated to empower the youngster to cope and to move forward both at home and at school. GS
Article synopsis:Solution-focused therapy is proposed as an effective strength-based model for children with social phobia. Social phobia is described along with the etiology and prevailing treatment approaches. A case illustration demonstrates the application of solution-focused therapy with a child who experienced social phobia. Implications for counseling and recommendations for research are discussed. BV
Joutsenniemi, K., Lindfors, O., Laaksonen, M., Haaramon, P., Knekt, P. (2009). P03-52 Prediction of demographic factors on the outcome of short- and long-term psychotherapy,European Psychiatry, 24, 1051.
Article abstract: Background: Demographic factors have been shown to predict the outcome of short-term psychotherapy in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. So far, however, information on the prediction for long- term therapy is missing. To be able to choose an optimal psychotherapy length for the patient, it is essential to know, which demographic factors predict different outcome in short- and long-term therapy. Aim: To compare the prediction of demographic factors on changes in psychiatric symptoms in short- and long-term psychotherapy. Methods: In the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 psychiatric outpatients, aged 20-46 years, and suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders, were randomly assigned to short-term therapy (short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy or solution-focused therapy combined) or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. The demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, education, income, and living arrangement) were assessed at baseline by a questionnaire. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Symptom Check List, Global Severity Index (SCL-90-GSI) at baseline and 7 times during a 3-year follow-up. Results: Demographic factors were found to predict symptom development during follow-up irrespective of baseline symptom level. Female gender, being aged 25 or more, living with a spouse/partner, high education, and medium level personal income predicted benefiting sufficiently from short-term therapy, whereas being aged under 25, medium education, and living with other(s) than a partner or child(ren) predicted the need of long-term therapy. Conclusions: Demographic factors may be a useful tool in the selection of patients for short- and long term therapy. GS
Article synopsis: The purpose of this article is to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) through a systematic review using meta-analytic procedures. Since the 22 studies analyzed by the author utilized different both experimental and quasi-experimental designs, a meta-analysis of the multiple studies provides a stable and meaningful measure of the overall effectiveness of SFBT. Primary outcome studies, from 1998 to 2005, that employed at least one of the core components of SFBT, as described by founders and eminent SFBT practitioners, and utilized a comparison or control group in their research design to examine the effectiveness of SFBT were included in the meta-analysis. Unpublished dissertations and unpublished studies were also used in order to increase sample size and statistical power and decrease publication bias. The meta-analytic review found that SFBT demonstrated small but positive treatment effects favoring the SFBT group on outcome measures. The author presents a good discussion and possible explanation for SFBT’s small effect size results, including the differences contributed by tightly controlled, efficacy studies (more common in psychology) and real-world, clinical settings (more common in social work). GS
Knekt, P., Lindfors, O., Laaksonen, M. A., Raitasalo, R., Haaramo, P., & Jarvikoski, A. (2008). Effectiveness of short-term and long-term psychotherapy on work ability and functional capacity: A randomized clinical trial on depressive and anxiety disorders, Journal of Affective Disorders, 107, 95-106.
Article synopsis: This study examines the effectiveness of different therapies (two short-term therapies and one long-term therapy) on work ability of 326 outpatients with psychiatric disorders. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: long-term dynamic psychotherapy, short-term dynamic psychotherapy, and solution focused therapy and followed for 3 years from the start of treatment. The results indicated no differences in work-ability scores between solution-focused therapy and short term psychodynamic therapy. Short term therapies were more effective in improving work- ability than long-term therapy at the 7 month follow up. At the 3 year follow-up, long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy was slightly more effective than the short-term therapies. No differences in work ability were noted between short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and solution-focused therapy at 3 year follow-up. All treatments were manualized and therapist adherence to treatment was monitored. GS
Nunnally, E. (1993). Solution focused therapy. In R. A. Wells & V. J. Gianetti (Eds.), Casebook of the brief psychotherapies (pp. 271-286). New York, NY: Plenum Press.
Article abstract: (from the chapter) [describes] the structure and underlying premises of solution focused [family] therapy / solution focused therapy can be viewed as an action system composed of three elements: (1) exception behaviors, (2) problem behaviors, and (3) intervention behaviors / the focus of a therapist's assessment is on goal and other exceptions, not on origins of the problem / [presents] three case examples [involving this practice model] / in Case 1 [of a 43-yr-old female with a 10-yr history of anxiety] the focus is largely on . . . recent exceptions / in Case 2 [of a Finnish couple experiencing a marital conflict] the focus is on past exceptions / in Case 3 [of a family presenting with a problem of an intense conflict between father and 16-yr-old daughter] focus of intervention varies across family members: expanding the teenager's ongoing exception behaviors and changing the parents' behaviors to increase and support the teenager's exception behaviors. GS
Pomeroy, E. C., Green, D. L., & Van Laningham, L. (2002). Couples who care: The effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention for HIV serodiscordant couples,Research on Social Work Practice, 12, 238-252.
Article synopsis: This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention for HIV/AIDS, serodiscordant, heterosexual couples using quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design to examine marital satisfaction, anxiety, and depression in participant couples. Results indicated that the psychoeducational group intervention had strong effects on increasing marital satisfaction and moderate effects in reducing anxiety and depression among heterosexual, serodiscordant couples. The intervention used with the psychoeducational group utilized components from both solution-focused and cognitive behavioral modalities of therapy; thus, is a drawback when trying to examine the effectiveness of one particular modality of therapy in specific cases. GS
Sprinks, D. W. (2008). A solution focused family checkup as a positive intervention in family therapy. Dissertation Abstracts International, 68 (7-B), 4847
Article abstract: This study seeks to examine the efficacy of a two-session family checkup, using a Solution Focused approach as a positive intervention for interrupting family dysfunction that is both ecologically and psychologically acceptable to families in distress, who otherwise might not seek family therapy. Families and marriages currently suffering distress are often unable to afford professional services due to ecological issues such as transportation, child care, time commitment to therapy, and previous negative therapeutic experiences. Additionally many persons are averse to seeking counseling or therapy due to the psychological stigmatization of having to attend to professional guidance and/or assistance. Using a convenience sample of varied family make-ups, participants completed the Family Assessment Measure III, the Martial Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at a time one and time two intervals, approximately 30 days apart, where the instruments are designed to measure family functioning fulfillment, marital satisfaction, and mood. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square's, Independent t-tests, and ANOVA'S to look for relationships among the variables as well as differences in time one and time two measurements. The results suggested that a Solution Focused Family Checkup is effective in helping families make desired changes in areas of tasks and functions that maintain efficacy at a 30 day follow-up interval, and that some significant changes may occur in the marital dyadic relationship as well. The results also suggested that the more symptomatic the family the more likely they were to not seek therapy due to the symptomatic behaviors and the psychological stigma's associated with seeking professional assistance. Ecological issues related to seeking therapy did not rate statistical significance. However, in all cases the briefer the therapy and the affordability of assistance were the most important choices in ecological information. GS
Article Synopsis: This article describes how the Department of Psychiatry and Psychosomatics at Saint John’s Hospital in Bruges, Belgium, utilized solution-focused therapy to work with patients with a history of drinking problems. Patients were active participants in establishing goals and selecting treatment. They were given the choice of participating in abstinence or controlled drinking treatment groups. In addition, they had the option of day hospital or outpatient services after one day of hospitalization. Patients played active roles in reaching their goals. Patients used scaling questions to assess their progress and used daily logs to note times they did not drink, finding exceptions to the problem drinking. Follow-up interviews with inpatients and outpatients indicated that many individuals maintained abstinence or had continued success in controlling their drinking.--MTA
Article Synopsis: Solution-focused therapy was used to work with single parent mothers who had problems with alcohol. Counselors focused on the clients’ personal strengths and resources to work toward making changes in family dynamics and healthy hierarchical structures. Single parent mothers are asked about previous abstinence periods to see what solutions have prevented potential relapses. Counselors normalized conflict between parents and children and addressed unrealistic expectations. The miracle question was used to work on time specific and session specific goals. Counselors explored exceptions to the problem and helped families identify solutions that have worked in the past. Progress was tracked by utilizing scaling questions.--MTA
McCollum, E. E., Trepper, T. S., & Smock, S. (2003). Solution-focused group therapy for substance abuse: Extending competency-based models. Journal of Family Psychology, 14(4), 27-42.
Article synopsis: This article addresses the benefits of using solution-focused therapy in place of motivational interviewing in group therapy for substance abuse. Similar to motivation interviewing, solution-focused therapy focuses on instilling hope, support, and empowerment among group members. Group facilitators use solution-focused techniques to ask group members what has improved since the last session and elaborate on these changes. Group facilitators then collaborate with group members to develop a homework plan to work toward their goals. A solution-focused case study is included in the article, providing examples of how solution-focused interventions are used in group therapy.--MTA
Mott, S., & Gysin, T. (year). Post-modern ideas in substance abuse treatment. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 3(3), 3-19.
Article synopsis: Authors in this article address how post-modern therapy is used with substance abuse clients at a long term residential and day treatment center. The article addresses the shift from problem-focused models to strength-based treatment. Whereas the problem-focused practitioners tend to view the client as an addiction who is resistant, the solution-focused practitioner sees the individual as resourceful and capable of change. The case scenario provides an example of how solution-focused interventions including a reflecting team are used. Focusing on solutions instead of problems resulted in positive changes among clients and staff members at the residential center. --MTA
Smith, D. C., & Hall, J. A. (2008). Strengths-oriented family therapy for adolescents with substance abuse problems. Social Work, 53(2), 185-188.
Article Synopsis:
The Strengths-Oriented Family Therapy (SOFT) program incorporates solution-focused language and techniques in working with adolescents with substance abuse issues. Strengths and resources are discovered as families discuss how they have coped with the substance abuse. The mental health professional uses these strengths and resources to suggest treatment options for the adolescent, providing the family their choice in the solution plan. Adolescents participate in family therapy and multifamily group sessions. Adolescents who participated in the SOFT program were found to report lower frequency in substance abuse and substance abuse related problems. -- MTA
Haley, T. (2000). Solution-Focused counseling with a sexual abuse survivor. Guidance & Counseling, 15(4), 18. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Article synopsis: This is a case study (single case) utilizing SFBT. Participant developed better coping skills and showed signs of recovery. Self-report informal indicators were also used. No information is provided regarding trustworthiness or rigor of the study. MTB
Kruczek, T., & Vitanza, S. (1999). Treatment effects with an adolescent abuse survivor's group. Child Abuse & Neglect, 23(5), 477-485. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Article synopsis: This is a quantitative study about the efficacy of a structured group therapy intervention in reducing the negative consequences of sexual abuse. Treatment protocol was based on SFBT and Ericsonian interventions. Participants improved in daily functioning and positive recovery behaviors. MTB
Solution Focused Brief Therapy Manual and general SFBT Articles
http://www.solutionfocused.net/treatmentmanual.html
- Lee, M. Y., Uken, A., & Sebold, J. (2004). Accountability for change: Solution-focused treatment with domestic violence offenders. Families in Society, 85(4), 463-476.
2004 Accountability for Change.pdf
- Details
- Download
- 271 KB
Article Synopsis: This article centers on the effectiveness of treatment with domestic violence offenders using a solution-focused framework instead of other approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, feminist, and psychodynamic. The study consisted of a one-group pre/post-test design, and a six-month follow-up was conducted to assess effectiveness of the treatment program. JWW- Milner, J., & Singleton, T. (2008). Domestic violence: Solution-focused practice with men and women who are violent. Journal of Family Therapy, 30(1), 29-53.
2008 Domestic Violence.pdf
- Details
- Download
- 134 KB
Article Synopsis: The authors reviewed a program headed by the Domestic Violence Team (DVT), in the United Kingdom, that targeted reducing domestic violence; the program began in 2001 as a pilot study and was tracked until 2004. JWW- Pan, P. J.D., Deng, L-Y.F., Chang, S.S.H., & Jiang, K. J-R. (2011). Correctional officers' perceptions of a solution-focused training program: Potential implications for working with offenders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 55(6), 863-79. doi:10.1177/0306624X10378231
2011 SF Therapy Working with Offenders.pdf
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- 171 KB
Article Synopsis: This article was composed as an exploratory study to investigate correctional officers’ perceptions of a solution-focused approach (SFA) to working with criminal offenders. Research took place in a Taiwanese jail, and researchers were mainly interested in implementing a practical approach that would assist offenders within a short time frame (i.e., length of their incarceration). JWW- Walker, L., Sakai, T., & Brady, K. (2006). Restorative circles—A reentry planning process for Hawaii inmates. Federal Probation, 70(1), 33-37.
2006 Restorative Circles.pdf
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- Download
- 601 KB
Article Synopsis: This article focused on the concept of the Restorative Circle—initially a pilot study from 2005 that aimed at successful reentry of prison inmates into society. The ultimate goal, using a solution-focused framework, was to have the inmate understand how his or her actions (i.e., illegal behavior) impacted not only their victims, but also their families and the extended community. JWW- Corcoran, J., Pillai, V. (2009). A review of the research on solution-focused therapy. British Journal of Social Work, Vol 39(2) pp. 234-242.
Article synopsis:The authors reviewed all treatment outcome research involving Solution-Focused Therapy between the years 1985 and 2006. The articles reviewed were limited to published studies in the English language. The authors were interested in peer reviewed studies that contained participant information, an identified Solution-Focused intervention, and a methods section. Of all the literature reviewed, ten studies met that criteria and were evaluated. KGDSM-IV TR Diagnoses
Disorders first diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescenceArticle Synopsis: This article focuses on brief solution-focused therapy with parents and adolescents with ADHD. It illustrates an emphasis of the co-construction of solutions from conversations between a school social worker and the client. The school social worker's questioned the client to recognize prior successes, solutions and visualize future solutions. BV
Article Synopsis: A quasi-experiment of 239 children who were referred to counseling by their school, with pretest/posttest design compared treatment engagement in a solution-focused therapy group and a "treatment-as-usual" group.. The solution-focused therapy group had better treatment engagement; however, no statistically significant differences were found between groups on perceptions of child behaviors from either parents or child reports. BV/LL
- Lloyd, H., & Dallos, R. (2006). Solution-focused brief therapy with families who have a child with intellectual disabilities: A description of the content of initial sessions and the processes. Clinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 11(3), 367-386.
Article Synopsis: Synopsis coming soon. BVDelirium, Dementia and Amnesic and other cognitive disorders
Substance related mood disorders
Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
- Bor, R., Parker, J., & Papadopoulos, L. (2001). Brief, solution-focused initial treatment sessions for clients with a fear of flying.Counseling Psychology Review, 1632-40.
Article abstract: Outlines a brief approach to psychological treatment that may benefit a sizeable portion of fearful flyers as an alternative to the traditionally used method of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The authors estimate from their own practice that approximately 50 per cent of clients who seek psychological treatment for fear of flying do not require the full complement of standard CBT interventions (e.g. desensitization, simulated or actual flights) and benefit sufficiently from core interventions (e.g. cognitive restructuring, realistic threat appraisal and coping strategies for dealing with symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder). The authors therefore propose a synthesis of CBT and systemic and solution-focused therapy as a treatment that is not unduly costly or demanding on resources, and can be offered in busy settings such as travel health clinics and GP surgeries, and by counselling psychologists and air crew. The authors conclude that it is possible to provide a protracted course of treatment and in some cases single session interventions, especially with clients who are motivated to overcoming their problem and whose problem is not presented as intractable during the assessment. GS- Fang-Ru, Y., Shuand-Luo, Z., & Wen-Feng, L. (2005).Comparative study of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) combined with Paroxetine in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Chinese Mental Health, 19, 288-290.
Article synopsis: Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) combined with paroxetine in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Methods: 60 outpatients who met CCMD-3 criteria for OCD were randomly divided into experiment group (SFBT plus Paroxetine, n=30) and control group (paroxetine only, n =30) and treated for 10 weeks. The efficacy was assessed with Yale-Brown Obsessive- Compulsive Rating Scale (Y-BOCS) at the end of week 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Results: The Y-BOCS score in two groups were significantly decreased 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the Y-BOCS score in experiment group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: SFBT combined with paroxetine and paroxetine have significant efficacy in the treatment of OCD, and SFBT combined with paroxetine has better effect than paroxetine alone. GS- Griffith, S. C. (2007). School-based play therapy and solution-oriented brief counseling for children in crisis: Case of Melinda, age 6. In N. Webb-Boyd (Ed.), Play therapy with children in crisis: Individual, group, and family treatment (pp.322-342). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Article abstract: (from the chapter) The relationship between child and parents provides the building blocks for a child's lifelong development. When it is well built, the relationship provides a sturdy foundation and resiliency for future challenges. Even so, a child may run up against situations in which confusion and misunderstandings overwhelm his or her coping abilities, especially when the parents are also showing confusion. When this confusion grows into anxiety and interferes with the child's willingness to attend school, the school counselor may be brought in as a first line of intervention. This chapter discusses the use of solution-oriented brief counseling (SOBC) in helping children in crisis, with special attention to those aspects of SOBC that make it especially compatible with play therapy. The efficacy of this combined approach is demonstrated in a detailed case example. The case presented in this chapter involves a youngster who initially seemed to cope with her mother's serious illness, but whose situation later developed into a crisis following the deaths of other extended family members. These experiences escalated into high anxiety and school avoidance before the problem was brought to light and intervention was sought at school. Because of the child's age, play therapy was the preferred mode of relating. A solution-oriented intervention model was incorporated to empower the youngster to cope and to move forward both at home and at school. GS- George, C. M. (2008). Solution-focused therapy: Strength-based counseling for children with social phobia. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education, and Development, 47,144.
Article synopsis:Solution-focused therapy is proposed as an effective strength-based model for children with social phobia. Social phobia is described along with the etiology and prevailing treatment approaches. A case illustration demonstrates the application of solution-focused therapy with a child who experienced social phobia. Implications for counseling and recommendations for research are discussed. BV- Joutsenniemi, K., Lindfors, O., Laaksonen, M., Haaramon, P., Knekt, P. (2009). P03-52 Prediction of demographic factors on the outcome of short- and long-term psychotherapy,European Psychiatry, 24, 1051.
Article abstract: Background: Demographic factors have been shown to predict the outcome of short-term psychotherapy in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. So far, however, information on the prediction for long- term therapy is missing. To be able to choose an optimal psychotherapy length for the patient, it is essential to know, which demographic factors predict different outcome in short- and long-term therapy. Aim: To compare the prediction of demographic factors on changes in psychiatric symptoms in short- and long-term psychotherapy. Methods: In the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 psychiatric outpatients, aged 20-46 years, and suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders, were randomly assigned to short-term therapy (short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy or solution-focused therapy combined) or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. The demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, education, income, and living arrangement) were assessed at baseline by a questionnaire. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Symptom Check List, Global Severity Index (SCL-90-GSI) at baseline and 7 times during a 3-year follow-up. Results: Demographic factors were found to predict symptom development during follow-up irrespective of baseline symptom level. Female gender, being aged 25 or more, living with a spouse/partner, high education, and medium level personal income predicted benefiting sufficiently from short-term therapy, whereas being aged under 25, medium education, and living with other(s) than a partner or child(ren) predicted the need of long-term therapy. Conclusions: Demographic factors may be a useful tool in the selection of patients for short- and long term therapy. GS- Kim, J. S. (2008). Examining the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: A meta-analysis, Research on Social Work Practice , 18,107-116.
Article synopsis: The purpose of this article is to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) through a systematic review using meta-analytic procedures. Since the 22 studies analyzed by the author utilized different both experimental and quasi-experimental designs, a meta-analysis of the multiple studies provides a stable and meaningful measure of the overall effectiveness of SFBT. Primary outcome studies, from 1998 to 2005, that employed at least one of the core components of SFBT, as described by founders and eminent SFBT practitioners, and utilized a comparison or control group in their research design to examine the effectiveness of SFBT were included in the meta-analysis. Unpublished dissertations and unpublished studies were also used in order to increase sample size and statistical power and decrease publication bias. The meta-analytic review found that SFBT demonstrated small but positive treatment effects favoring the SFBT group on outcome measures. The author presents a good discussion and possible explanation for SFBT’s small effect size results, including the differences contributed by tightly controlled, efficacy studies (more common in psychology) and real-world, clinical settings (more common in social work). GS- Knekt, P., Lindfors, O., Laaksonen, M. A., Raitasalo, R., Haaramo, P., & Jarvikoski, A. (2008). Effectiveness of short-term and long-term psychotherapy on work ability and functional capacity: A randomized clinical trial on depressive and anxiety disorders, Journal of Affective Disorders, 107, 95-106.
Article synopsis: This study examines the effectiveness of different therapies (two short-term therapies and one long-term therapy) on work ability of 326 outpatients with psychiatric disorders. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: long-term dynamic psychotherapy, short-term dynamic psychotherapy, and solution focused therapy and followed for 3 years from the start of treatment. The results indicated no differences in work-ability scores between solution-focused therapy and short term psychodynamic therapy. Short term therapies were more effective in improving work- ability than long-term therapy at the 7 month follow up. At the 3 year follow-up, long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy was slightly more effective than the short-term therapies. No differences in work ability were noted between short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and solution-focused therapy at 3 year follow-up. All treatments were manualized and therapist adherence to treatment was monitored. GS- Nunnally, E. (1993). Solution focused therapy. In R. A. Wells & V. J. Gianetti (Eds.), Casebook of the brief psychotherapies (pp. 271-286). New York, NY: Plenum Press.
Article abstract: (from the chapter) [describes] the structure and underlying premises of solution focused [family] therapy / solution focused therapy can be viewed as an action system composed of three elements: (1) exception behaviors, (2) problem behaviors, and (3) intervention behaviors / the focus of a therapist's assessment is on goal and other exceptions, not on origins of the problem / [presents] three case examples [involving this practice model] / in Case 1 [of a 43-yr-old female with a 10-yr history of anxiety] the focus is largely on . . . recent exceptions / in Case 2 [of a Finnish couple experiencing a marital conflict] the focus is on past exceptions / in Case 3 [of a family presenting with a problem of an intense conflict between father and 16-yr-old daughter] focus of intervention varies across family members: expanding the teenager's ongoing exception behaviors and changing the parents' behaviors to increase and support the teenager's exception behaviors. GS- Pomeroy, E. C., Green, D. L., & Van Laningham, L. (2002). Couples who care: The effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention for HIV serodiscordant couples,Research on Social Work Practice, 12, 238-252.
Article synopsis: This pilot study examined the effectiveness of a psychoeducational group intervention for HIV/AIDS, serodiscordant, heterosexual couples using quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design to examine marital satisfaction, anxiety, and depression in participant couples. Results indicated that the psychoeducational group intervention had strong effects on increasing marital satisfaction and moderate effects in reducing anxiety and depression among heterosexual, serodiscordant couples. The intervention used with the psychoeducational group utilized components from both solution-focused and cognitive behavioral modalities of therapy; thus, is a drawback when trying to examine the effectiveness of one particular modality of therapy in specific cases. GS- Sprinks, D. W. (2008). A solution focused family checkup as a positive intervention in family therapy. Dissertation Abstracts International, 68 (7-B), 4847
Article abstract: This study seeks to examine the efficacy of a two-session family checkup, using a Solution Focused approach as a positive intervention for interrupting family dysfunction that is both ecologically and psychologically acceptable to families in distress, who otherwise might not seek family therapy. Families and marriages currently suffering distress are often unable to afford professional services due to ecological issues such as transportation, child care, time commitment to therapy, and previous negative therapeutic experiences. Additionally many persons are averse to seeking counseling or therapy due to the psychological stigmatization of having to attend to professional guidance and/or assistance. Using a convenience sample of varied family make-ups, participants completed the Family Assessment Measure III, the Martial Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at a time one and time two intervals, approximately 30 days apart, where the instruments are designed to measure family functioning fulfillment, marital satisfaction, and mood. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square's, Independent t-tests, and ANOVA'S to look for relationships among the variables as well as differences in time one and time two measurements. The results suggested that a Solution Focused Family Checkup is effective in helping families make desired changes in areas of tasks and functions that maintain efficacy at a 30 day follow-up interval, and that some significant changes may occur in the marital dyadic relationship as well. The results also suggested that the more symptomatic the family the more likely they were to not seek therapy due to the symptomatic behaviors and the psychological stigma's associated with seeking professional assistance. Ecological issues related to seeking therapy did not rate statistical significance. However, in all cases the briefer the therapy and the affordability of assistance were the most important choices in ecological information. GSSomatoform Disorders
Factitious Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
Eating Disorders
Sleep Disorders
Impulse Control Disorders
Adjustment Disorders
V Codes
- De Shazer, S., & Isebaert, L. (2003). The Bruges Model: A solution-focused approach to problem drinking. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 14(4), 43-5 2.
Article Synopsis: This article describes how the Department of Psychiatry and Psychosomatics at Saint John’s Hospital in Bruges, Belgium, utilized solution-focused therapy to work with patients with a history of drinking problems. Patients were active participants in establishing goals and selecting treatment. They were given the choice of participating in abstinence or controlled drinking treatment groups. In addition, they had the option of day hospital or outpatient services after one day of hospitalization. Patients played active roles in reaching their goals. Patients used scaling questions to assess their progress and used daily logs to note times they did not drink, finding exceptions to the problem drinking. Follow-up interviews with inpatients and outpatients indicated that many individuals maintained abstinence or had continued success in controlling their drinking.--MTA- Juhnke, G., & Coker, J. (1997). A solution-focused intervention with recovering, alcohol-dependent, single parent mothers and their children. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 17(2), 77-87.
Article Synopsis: Solution-focused therapy was used to work with single parent mothers who had problems with alcohol. Counselors focused on the clients’ personal strengths and resources to work toward making changes in family dynamics and healthy hierarchical structures. Single parent mothers are asked about previous abstinence periods to see what solutions have prevented potential relapses. Counselors normalized conflict between parents and children and addressed unrealistic expectations. The miracle question was used to work on time specific and session specific goals. Counselors explored exceptions to the problem and helped families identify solutions that have worked in the past. Progress was tracked by utilizing scaling questions.--MTA- McCollum, E. E., Trepper, T. S., & Smock, S. (2003). Solution-focused group therapy for substance abuse: Extending competency-based models. Journal of Family Psychology, 14(4), 27-42.
Article synopsis: This article addresses the benefits of using solution-focused therapy in place of motivational interviewing in group therapy for substance abuse. Similar to motivation interviewing, solution-focused therapy focuses on instilling hope, support, and empowerment among group members. Group facilitators use solution-focused techniques to ask group members what has improved since the last session and elaborate on these changes. Group facilitators then collaborate with group members to develop a homework plan to work toward their goals. A solution-focused case study is included in the article, providing examples of how solution-focused interventions are used in group therapy.--MTA- Mott, S., & Gysin, T. (year). Post-modern ideas in substance abuse treatment. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 3(3), 3-19.
Article synopsis: Authors in this article address how post-modern therapy is used with substance abuse clients at a long term residential and day treatment center. The article addresses the shift from problem-focused models to strength-based treatment. Whereas the problem-focused practitioners tend to view the client as an addiction who is resistant, the solution-focused practitioner sees the individual as resourceful and capable of change. The case scenario provides an example of how solution-focused interventions including a reflecting team are used. Focusing on solutions instead of problems resulted in positive changes among clients and staff members at the residential center. --MTA- Smith, D. C., & Hall, J. A. (2008). Strengths-oriented family therapy for adolescents with substance abuse problems. Social Work, 53(2), 185-188.
Article Synopsis:The Strengths-Oriented Family Therapy (SOFT) program incorporates solution-focused language and techniques in working with adolescents with substance abuse issues. Strengths and resources are discovered as families discuss how they have coped with the substance abuse. The mental health professional uses these strengths and resources to suggest treatment options for the adolescent, providing the family their choice in the solution plan. Adolescents participate in family therapy and multifamily group sessions. Adolescents who participated in the SOFT program were found to report lower frequency in substance abuse and substance abuse related problems. -- MTA
Trauma
- Solution-Focused counseling with a sexual abuse survivor
Haley, T. (2000). Solution-Focused counseling with a sexual abuse survivor. Guidance & Counseling, 15(4), 18. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.Article synopsis: This is a case study (single case) utilizing SFBT. Participant developed better coping skills and showed signs of recovery. Self-report informal indicators were also used. No information is provided regarding trustworthiness or rigor of the study. MTB
- Treatment effects with an adolescent abuse survivor's group
Kruczek, T., & Vitanza, S. (1999). Treatment effects with an adolescent abuse survivor's group. Child Abuse & Neglect, 23(5), 477-485. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.Article synopsis: This is a quantitative study about the efficacy of a structured group therapy intervention in reducing the negative consequences of sexual abuse. Treatment protocol was based on SFBT and Ericsonian interventions. Participants improved in daily functioning and positive recovery behaviors. MTB
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